The Xarkon Hornet Hoverbike
LEGO by: Justin R. "Saber-Scorpion" Stebbins
Model Name: XGR-01 "Hornet"
Weight Range: Very Light
Speed: Very Fast
Mobility: Hovers on Land, Floats at Sea
Armaments: 2 light energy guns
Capacity: 1 rider

Simple, compact designs. Perfect for mass-production and zoomage. I made these hoverbikes back in 2003 or 2004 and have not changed the design a single bit since. It's partially because of nostalgia, but also because I still think it's great. It's simple yet cool... studless yet still LEGO. What more could you possibly ask for?

As evidenced by the flashy and stylish booster design, the hoverbikes known as Hornets were originally intended for civilian use. However, due to the flawlessness of the design, the military began using modified versions of them. That is why their name, Hornets, does not fit into the standard Xarkonian military system of naming, which is usually based on figures of ancient Earth mythology.

Banking for a turn... You know, one thing I've always wanted is a real hoverbike. Ever since I saw the Speeder Bikes in Return of the Jedi when I was a kid they've been one of my favorite sci-fi type vehicles. Wow that'd be fun...

This is why you should cruise without booze. An accident waiting to happen.

The pilots of these scout vehicles are issued specially-designed, streamlined, aerodynamic, lightweight helmets with superb visibility. The fact that they resemble Conquistador helmets is merely a coincidence.

When the call goes out for soldiers who will ride armed hoverbikes all day, as fast as they want to, with the law's permission, AND get paid for it... well, you get all kinds of people signing up for war.

When you combine Hornets with the Fox, you get the perfect scouting team!

OLD PICTURES:
These images reveal the Hornet's age. As you can see, these photos were taken during the reign of a previous Xarkonian Emperor, before the current ruler added the central horn to the Crown.

What happens when you take my leader hoverbike and switch all its black pieces with the red ones on one of the other bikes, and vice versa? Well, you get a solid black and solid red hoverbike! These are the kinds of colors that the civilians prefer on their Hornets.

A comparison shot. The army discourages overuse of either color (black or red) on any official army vehicle. Only the personal vehicles of the Emperor and High Commander are solid black.